That was the theme of the testimony from more than 25 officers who testified on Wednesday before the Baltimore City Council. The hearing was called last month by Councilman Brandon M. Scott, who pointed to recent police problems like a towing kickback scandal.

Scott said key documents he requested from the department did not arrive in time for the hearing, and questioning about spending related to the programs was postponed.

Council members were invited to take part in a training demonstration this week, which Council President Bernard C. Young described as an “eye-opener.” Young tells The Baltimore Sun he had been a major critic of some of the training programs.